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Horned klipfish (Hirculops cornifer) — Blenniidae

Horned klipfish

Hirculops cornifer
Family: Blenniidae

The Horned klipfish (Hirculops cornifer) is a saltwater fish of the family Blenniidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Omnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

The horned klipfish is a klipfish (Clinidae) from shallow rocky and reef water of the western Indian Ocean. The species grows to about 10 cm and has an elongate, slender, brown-marbled body with cirri above the eyes that resemble little horns, and a long, spiny dorsal fin. As a bottom-dweller it shelters among weed, coral rubble and crevices and snaps at small crustaceans and worms. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Horned klipfish?

The Horned klipfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Horned klipfish live?

The Horned klipfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Horned klipfish get?

The Horned klipfish grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Horned klipfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Horned klipfish is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Hoorn-klipvis sourced
English name
Horned klipfish sourced
Scientific name
Hirculops cornifer
Family
Blenniidae
Other names
Highbrow rockskipper verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Marbled sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Blenniidae

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